The Atlas Lionesses are back on home turf, and expectations are sky-high. As hosts of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), Morocco will be looking to go one step further than they did in 2022 — when they made history by reaching the final and capturing the hearts of millions. With top-tier talent, a tactically sharp coach, and massive home support, Morocco is entering this year’s tournament as one of the major favourites.
🧠 Coach: Jorge Vilda
The former Spain women’s coach — who famously led La Roja to a World Cup title in 2023 — took over the Moroccan national team in October 2023. Under his leadership, Morocco has adopted a more tactical, possession-based approach, blending European discipline with North African flair.
🌟 Key Players to Watch
- Ghizlane Chebbak (Captain, Midfielder) – The heartbeat of the side and a veteran leader, Chebbak is crucial in controlling the tempo and dictating play.
- Ibtissam Jraïdi (Forward) – A sharp finisher and former CAF Champions League top scorer, she is Morocco’s most reliable threat in front of goal.
- Hanane Aït El Haj (Defender) – Fast, strong, and smart in duels, she anchors Morocco’s defense with composure.
- Khadija Er-Rmichi (Goalkeeper) – With her vast experience and shot-stopping ability, she remains one of the best keepers in African football.
📊 Tournament Pedigree
- Appearances: 4 (including 2024)
- Best Finish: Runners-up (2022)
- FIFA World Ranking: 60 (as of June 2025)
- Historic Milestone: First Arab and North African team to reach a WAFCON final (2022) and first Arab nation to qualify for a FIFA Women’s World Cup knockout stage (2023).
🏟️ Home Advantage
Morocco will play all its group-stage matches at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. The local support is expected to be electric, much like it was in 2022 when the country rallied behind the team and filled stadiums with passion and pride.
🗓️ Group A Fixtures
🇲🇦Morocco vs Zambia 🇿🇲
📅 Saturday, 5 July 2025
📍 Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat
🕘 21:00 (GMT+1)
🇲🇦Morocco vs DR Congo🇨🇩
📅 Wednesday, 9 July 2025
📍 Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat
🕘 21:00 (GMT+1)
🇲🇦Morocco vs Senegal 🇸🇳
📅 Saturday, 12 July 2025
📍 Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat
🕘 21:00 (GMT+1)
Group A is shaping up to be one of the most competitive groups in the tournament, with Zambia, Senegal, and DR Congo all bringing their own threats. But Morocco’s quality and home-field advantage give them the edge on paper.
🔍 Final Word
This tournament is more than just a football event for Morocco — it’s a national moment. With the memory of their 2022 heroics still fresh and the fire of unfinished business burning strong, the Atlas Lionesses will be out to make history again. Under Jorge Vilda’s leadership and with stars like Chebbak and Jraïdi at their peak, Morocco is not just aiming to compete — they’re aiming to win it all.
Can they lift the trophy on home soil? The roar of the Lionesses will echo across Africa once more.
